Every year it gets harder and harder to leave Indio as Coachella draws to a close. This year is even worse, because they’re doing it all over again this weekend! Even though I wish I was back, I’m just happy to have been a part of one of them. The countdown begins yet again for next year, and I have these amazing artists to help hold me off until then. Check them out after the jump:
Jus†ice
Coachella Stage / Sunday 7:45-8:45
The first electronic show I ever went to was Justice Live at the Mayan in 2008. It didn’t take long after that for me to realize how much I LOVED this stuff. They came on 20 minutes late and their set was cut disastrously short. Apparently there were technical difficulties….but I’m still butt hurt about it. Every second was better than the last. They weaved together all the classics with newer tracks off AVD and couldn’t have been more bad ass about it. The true rockstars of the scene. I still get chills thinking about this set. LONG LIVE JUS†ICE!
Dr. Dre / Snoop Dogg + Guests
Coachella Stage / Sunday 10:35-Close
This could have quite possibly been the craziest performance I have ever beared witness. The rumors were finally put to the test and the special guests were: Kendrick Lamar, Wiz, 50 Cent, Eminem, Warren G and a f*ckin’ hologram of Tupac. I know this isn’t news to anyone, but I’m not over it. The videos could never encompass the looks on everyone’s face when he spawned on stage. “MACHIAVELLI IN THIS!” I have never been at such a loss of words. It was unbelievable. Debatably the best main stage act of the weekend, let alone best hip hop show of all time.
The Hives
Coachella Stage / Sunday 6:05-6:55
I never thought I’d have the opportunity to catch these guys live. Been into them since back when all the “The” bands were making way into the scene. (The Strokes/Vines/White Stripes/etc.) I live for this shit. When rock and roll is done right, it’s one of my favorite things to see live….and to say “they did it right” would be a drastic understatement. I don’t think the crowd fully appreciated this moment. So damn fun.
Breakbot
Sahara / Friday 2:30-3:30
The was the beginning to my weekend. Could NOT have asked for anything more or better than this. I love Breakbot. I love disco. He’s just amazing at what he does. The live keyboards and natural steez just made his entire set really awesome. Full of funk and fun for everyone, and right before sebastiAn. Ed Rec Crue doing work.
Kasabian
Mojave / Saturday 8:35-9:25
Kasabian! We finally meet. I knew these guys were going to be a hoot and a half, but I had no idea it was going to be one of the most energized shows of the weekend! Everyone was just as excited as me to be a part of this set! Jumping up and down, screaming the words from front to back. Nothing like some quality Brit Rock to do Indio right.
Sub Focus
Mojave / Saturday 11:40-Close
Sub Focus was one of the biggest Coachella surprises I’ve ever gotten. After getting my fix of Radiohead, the choice was between Kaskade and Sub Focus. I don’t regret my decision one bit for choosing the latter. His portal set up was one of the more creative live sets that I’ve seen. He concocted a set full of nasty dubstep and beautiful drum & bass, which was new to me. I fell in love. I heard he had some technical difficulties to start as well, but everything I saw was sheer perfection.
Flux Pavillion / Dr. P
Sahara / 2:55-3:50
These guys are another bunch I had been looking forward to seeing for the longest time. I still remember the first time I heard Flux’s Gold Dust remix and Dr. P’s Sweet Shop. I always thought their sounds complimented each other so well. One of the best dubstep sets I’ve ever been a part of. I feel like everyone was on the same page. Spent the whole time front and center in the pit. Always good times. OH! Also…someone got stabbed during this set. SKETCH! Please: more loving, less stabbing.
The Rapture
Mojave / Friday 8:55-945
Got to step out of the hectic Sahara tent to get some live music, and I’m happy the Rapture was just as good as I remember. When they played their new songs off In the Grace of Your Love it was a little more mellow…as is that whole album, but when they played songs from Pieces of the People We Love, everyone was on another level. I love sing-along-dance-parties, and the Rapture are experts at creating that atmosphere. AWESOME show.
Florence + The Machine
Outdoor Stage / Sunday 9:45-Close
The Outdoor Stage is almost always a let down unless you get close, hence our mission to charge up for Florence. I’m surprised we got such a spot after running here when Justice ended, but hey! I’m not complaining. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such raw talent right in front of me. She was so graceful and could NOT have been more on point. Definitely an emotional highlight of the weekend.
Amon Tobin
Mojave / Friday 12:00-Close
This was one of the more hidden gems of the festival. Amon Tobin is no low key artist, but I’d say a good amount of people don’t know or understand Amon’s place among live performances. His music is very slow. There isn’t much of a beat to dance to, and I feel there is still room for me to gain an understanding of it. But his live set was nothing short of awe inspiring. Visuals projected on hundreds of cubes stacked on each other 10-15 feet high! I didn’t take any videos of it. The whole time my friends and I were inching our way up to the front. When I got there, it didn’t even cross my mind to pull out my camera. I was blown away. No video could fully portray what you’ll get out his set. The projections were some of the most intricately designed that I’ve seen. Not to mention trippy as hell! Definitely satisfied to have this under my belt.
